Residents' Group Aims to Block Padel Court Changes

Mid Chiswick Society says canopies should never have been built

The padel courts viewed from the railway line. Picture: Mid Chiswick Society

June 2, 2026

A new planning application relating to the padel courts on Chiswick Common has triggered a renewed wave of objections from residents, with community groups arguing the facility is unlawful and commercially driven. Operator Rocks Lane insists it is simply a modest improvement to an existing sports facility rather than an expansion.

Planning application P/2026/1338 seeks to vary conditions attached to the 2022 permission for four padel courts by replacing the existing white weather-protection panels with transparent side and end panels and installing retractable sunshades.

According to the applicant's planning statement, the changes are intended to improve safety and playing conditions while retaining the visual openness of the site. The application states that the transparent design would reduce the visual impact of the structure compared with the existing weather-protection panels.

The proposal has prompted objections from the Mid Chiswick Society and Friends of Chiswick Common, who argue that the issue goes far beyond the design of the panels.

The groups contend that the original canopy structure should never have been approved because, they say, it was built on Common Land without the legally required consent of the Secretary of State. They point to provisions in the Commons Act 2006 and the Greater London Parks and Open Spaces Order 1967, which require ministerial approval for certain works on Common Land.

In a formal objection, the Mid Chiswick Society argues that no application for such consent appears to have been made and claims the current proposal is an attempt to "legitimise" a development that was originally approved in error.

"We continue to state and believe that the original application was granted in error and the canopy should be removed completely," the Society wrote.

Residents have also raised concerns about noise, light pollution, parking pressures and the increasing commercialisation of the site. Critics argue that padel, which can cost up to £70 per court per hour at peak times, has moved the facility away from the community-focused tennis provision envisaged when the site was first developed.

The groups also fear that approval of the latest application could strengthen the case for a separate proposal to install a second canopy over four additional courts.

Rocks Lane has strongly disputed suggestions that the current application represents any form of expansion.

In a statement issued following publication of the objections, the operator stressed that the application is not for additional courts, increased capacity or any change in the approved use of the site.

"The padel courts were granted planning permission by the London Borough of Hounslow following a full planning process and have been operating successfully for several years," the statement said.

The company said the application relates solely to improvements to the existing canopy, replacing the current weather-protection panels with transparent alternatives and adding retractable sunshades.

Rocks Lane also challenged the use of images which it said did not accurately reflect the proposal under consideration, arguing that the transparent panels would create a lighter and more visually permeable structure than the enclosed appearance suggested by some illustrations.

The operator emphasised the wider community role of the site, which hosts tennis, football, netball, holiday camps, youth activities and school sports programmes in addition to padel.

According to Rocks Lane, more than 66,000 visits were recorded across its programmes during 2025, with around 70 per cent of participants coming from West London and 41 per cent from the W4 postcode area. The company says more than 17,600 people played padel at the site during the year.

The organisation also highlighted partnerships with local schools, community groups and charities, including free use of facilities for state schools during school hours and work with organisations such as W4 Youth and Shelter Community.

"We recognise that some residents have concerns regarding issues such as noise, parking and operational matters," the statement said. "We respect those views and remain committed to engaging constructively with local residents, councillors, community groups and the Council."

Rocks Lane said it hopes the application will be judged on its planning merits and the benefits it believes the facility delivers in terms of health, physical activity and community participation.

"At its heart, this application is simply about improving an existing sports facility through the use of transparent weather-protection panels that improve safety, visibility and appearance," the statement said. "It is not an application for expansion, nor does it alter the approved use of the site."

The deadline for public comments on application P/2026/1338 is 3 June. Hounslow Council will determine the application at a later date after considering representations from supporters and objectors.